HUUM Sauna Heater Review 2025: Premium Estonian Design Worth It?
Key Takeaways
- Red Dot Award-winning design: The iconic DROP heater won the 2015 Red Dot Award, establishing HUUM as the design leader in sauna heaters
- Superior steam quality: Massive stone capacity (122-529 lbs) produces softer, longer-lasting löyly that mimics wood-fired saunas
- Higher temperatures: SGS certified to reach 230°F vs competitors' 194°F UL limit
- Premium positioning: Complete packages range from $2,198-$5,691—expect to pay 30-50% more than Harvia equivalents
- Smart integration: UKU WiFi controller allows remote preheating via mobile app
- Estonian craftsmanship: Hand-finished stainless steel with shot blasting and acid treatment for refined aesthetics
🔥 New to sauna building? Start with our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Saunas to understand the foundational concepts.
Walk into any design-forward sauna showroom and you'll notice something different: a sculptural, teardrop-shaped heater that looks more like modern art than heating equipment. That's HUUM—the Estonian brand disrupting a market long dominated by traditional Finnish manufacturers like Harvia.
Since winning the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2015, HUUM has built a passionate following among sauna enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between aesthetics and performance. Their DROP and HIVE series have become Instagram favorites, but the real question remains: does HUUM deliver substance beneath that stunning style?
In this comprehensive review, we'll examine HUUM's complete product lineup, test their performance claims, compare them head-to-head with industry leader Harvia, and help you decide if these premium Estonian heaters deserve a place in your sauna.
Our Top HUUM Heater Picks
After extensive research and testing, these four HUUM heaters represent the best options across different use cases and budgets.
HUUM DROP 9kW
$1,416 · 318-530 cu. ft. · Wall-Mounted · 240V
The Red Dot Award winner. Iconic teardrop shape with 122 lb stone capacity. Includes stones—delivers soft, authentic löyly.
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HUUM HIVE Mini 9kW
$2,149 · 282-494 cu. ft. · Wall-Mounted · 240V
Geometric basket design with 330 lb stone capacity. Open construction exposes stones for superior heat circulation.
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HUUM STEEL 6kW
$1,644 · 212-353 cu. ft. · Wall-Mounted · 240V
Slim vertical tower with minimal safety distances. Perfect for tight spaces while maintaining HUUM quality and 230°F capability.
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HUUM HIVE 15kW
$2,740 · 530-882 cu. ft. · Floor-Standing · 240V
Statement piece with 529 lb stone capacity—rivals commercial installations. The ultimate centerpiece for serious enthusiasts.
View ProductHUUM Electric Heater Comparison
| Model | Power | Room Size | Stone Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROP 4.5kW | 4.5kW | 106-247 cu. ft. | 122 lbs | $1,079 | Small saunas |
| DROP 6kW | 6kW | 212-353 cu. ft. | 122 lbs | $1,218 | Medium saunas |
| DROP 7.5kW | 7.5kW | 247-441 cu. ft. | 122 lbs | $1,352 | Medium-large saunas |
| DROP 9kW | 9kW | 318-530 cu. ft. | 122 lbs | $1,416 | Large saunas |
| STEEL Mini 3.5kW | 3.5kW | 71-141 cu. ft. | N/A | $1,230 | Compact spaces |
| STEEL 6kW | 6kW | 212-353 cu. ft. | N/A | $1,644 | Space-saving |
| HIVE Mini 6kW | 6kW | 176-353 cu. ft. | 330 lbs | $2,024 | Steam lovers |
| HIVE Mini 9kW | 9kW | 282-494 cu. ft. | 330 lbs | $2,149 | Steam lovers |
| HIVE 15kW | 15kW | 530-882 cu. ft. | 529 lbs | $2,740 | Large/commercial |
| HIVE 18kW | 18kW | 706-1,236 cu. ft. | 529 lbs | $3,167 | Commercial |
Note: Prices shown are for heaters only. Complete packages with UKU WiFi controller and stones add $700-$2,500 depending on model. DROP heaters include stones; HIVE models require separate stone purchase.
About HUUM — Estonian Heritage
HUUM's story begins not in Finland—the traditional heartland of sauna culture —but in Estonia, where sauna has been an integral part of daily life for centuries. The company was founded by Siim Nellis, a third-generation sauna stove producer whose grandfather was a skilled oven-builder and whose father remains active in the industry.
In 2011, seeking to modernize an industry that had remained visually stagnant for decades, Nellis partnered with the Estonian Academy of Arts. Design students proposed various concepts, but one stood out: a heater inspired by a single drop of water, featuring a hemispheric shape that would become the iconic HUUM DROP.
By 2012, the DROP entered production. Three years later, it won the Red Dot Award for Product Design—one of the world's most prestigious design honors—cementing HUUM's reputation as the thinking person's sauna heater.
HUUM Product Lineup
DROP Series — The Iconic Award-Winner
The DROP is HUUM's signature model—the award-winner that put the brand on the map. Its iconic teardrop shape softens the angular lines of traditional sauna interiors while delivering serious performance. Despite being wall-mounted and compact, the DROP holds 122 pounds of stones—exceeding most wood-burning stoves—for consistent heat and long-lasting steam.
Available in 4.5kW, 6kW, 7.5kW, and 9kW configurations for rooms ranging from 106-530 cubic feet. All DROP heaters include premium olivine diabase stones and are SGS certified to reach 230°F—significantly hotter than UL-certified competitors limited to 194°F.
Best For: Small to medium home saunas where aesthetics matter as much as performance. The ideal choice for modern, design-conscious spaces.
HIVE Series — Maximum Stone Capacity
The HIVE is HUUM's statement piece—a towering geometric basket of stones that becomes the undisputed focal point of any sauna. With up to 529 pounds of stone capacity, it delivers the soft, enveloping steam that serious sauna enthusiasts crave.
The HIVE Mini serves medium-sized home saunas (6-10.5kW, 330 lb stones), while the full HIVE handles large residential and commercial applications (12-18kW, 529 lb stones). Both feature the open-basket design that showcases the natural beauty of heated stones.
Best For: Larger saunas, commercial installations, and anyone who wants maximum stone capacity for the softest possible löyly experience.
STEEL Series — Compact & Space-Saving
The STEEL series offers HUUM quality in a slim, vertical tower design with remarkably small safety distances—perfect for saunas with limited floor space or challenging layouts. The organic, minimalist profile maintains HUUM's design DNA while fitting where other heaters can't.
Available from 3.5kW (Mini) to 10.5kW, covering rooms from 71-600 cubic feet. Despite its compact footprint, STEEL delivers maximum temperatures of 230°F with WiFi control capability.
Best For: Compact saunas, tight spaces, and installations where safety clearances are challenging.
CLIFF Series — Premium Performance
The CLIFF series combines the space efficiency of wall-mounted design with enhanced performance for demanding users. Available in Mini (3.5-4kW) and full-size (6-11kW) configurations.
CLIFF heaters feature a distinctive geometric shape with excellent heat distribution. The series bridges the gap between the artistic DROP and the industrial HIVE, offering serious performance in a refined package.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want premium performance without the floor space requirements of HIVE models.
Wood-Burning Options
For purists who want the authentic crackle of a wood fire with HUUM's modern design sensibility, the HIVE Wood and HIVE Heat series deliver. These stoves feature innovative airflow design that creates convection for cleaner, more efficient wood burning.
Models include HIVE Heat 12kW ($2,303), HIVE Wood 13kW ($1,739), and HIVE Wood 17kW ($1,973). The larger HIVE Wood LS models add firebox extensions for flexible installation through walls.
Performance Analysis
Temperature Range
HUUM heaters are SGS certified to reach 230°F (110°C)—a significant advantage over UL-certified competitors like Harvia, which cap at 194°F. This matters because thermostats are typically located inside or above the heater, not at bench level. If you want 180°F at your seating position, you may need to set the controller to 210-230°F depending on your sauna's layout.
Heat-Up Time
Heat-up time varies by model and room size, but expect 45-60 minutes to reach full temperature for most home installations—slightly slower than some competitors due to the larger stone mass. However, the payoff is superior steam quality and better temperature stability throughout your session.
The 2025 DROP models include a pre-installed air tunnel that reduces heat-up time by approximately 25% while doubling heating element lifespan.
Steam Quality (Löyly)
This is where HUUM truly shines. The massive stone capacity—122 lbs for DROP, up to 529 lbs for HIVE—creates löyly that's noticeably softer and longer-lasting than competitors with smaller stone loads. Users consistently describe HUUM steam as "gentle," "enveloping," and reminiscent of traditional wood-fired saunas .
The open basket design exposes stones directly to air circulation, ensuring even heating throughout the stone mass. The minimal metal construction means heat radiates primarily from stones rather than metal surfaces—producing more beneficial negative ions and reducing the "harsh" heat sensation some users experience with metal-heavy heaters.
Smart Home Integration
HUUM recognized early that modern sauna users want connectivity. Their UKU control system—available in WiFi and local versions—allows complete sauna management from a smartphone app. Preheat your sauna from work, monitor temperatures in real-time, control lighting and ventilation, and never wait for a cold sauna again.
Controller options include UKU Local ($859), UKU WiFi ($1,277), UKU Glass ($1,774), UKU Mirror ($1,837), and UKU Gold ($2,168). The WiFi controllers connect to the HUUM mobile app, available for iOS and Android.
HUUM vs Harvia: Head-to-Head
The comparison every sauna enthusiast wants to see: Estonia's design disruptor versus Finland's industry titan. Here's how they stack up.
| Feature | HUUM | Harvia |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 230°F (SGS certified) | 194°F (UL certified) |
| Stone Capacity | 122-529 lbs | 50-200 lbs |
| Steam Quality | Softer, longer-lasting | More intense, direct |
| Heat-Up Time | 45-60 minutes | 30-45 minutes |
| Design Focus | Modern, sculptural | Traditional, functional |
| WiFi Control | UKU WiFi app | MyHarvia app |
| Price Range | $1,079-$3,167 (heater only) | $1,662-$3,958 (heater only) |
| Country of Origin | Estonia | Finland |
| Track Record | Since 2011 | Since 1950 (75+ years) |
Price Comparison
HUUM positions itself as the premium choice, and pricing reflects this. A complete DROP setup (heater + UKU WiFi controller + stones) runs $2,200-$2,600, while comparable Harvia KIP models typically cost $1,700-$2,000 complete.
However, direct price comparison is complicated by different included accessories. DROP heaters include stones; Harvia often doesn't. HUUM's UKU controllers are purchased separately; some Harvia models include basic controls. Calculate total installed cost for accurate comparison.
When to Choose HUUM
- Design matters as much as performance
- You appreciate subtle steam quality differences
- Your sauna will be prominently displayed
- You want maximum stone capacity
- Higher temperatures are important to you
When to Choose Harvia
- Proven reliability is your top priority
- Faster heat-up time matters
- Budget is a primary concern
- You prefer established brands with longer track records
- You need easier access to replacement parts and service
Pros and Cons Summary
✓ Pros
- Stunning, Red Dot Award-winning design that enhances sauna aesthetics
- Exceptional steam quality from massive stone capacity
- Higher maximum temperature (230°F vs 194°F competitors)
- Polished smart home integration via UKU WiFi
- Hand-crafted Estonian quality with premium materials
- Softer, more authentic löyly that mimics wood-fired saunas
- DROP models include premium stones
✗ Cons
- Premium pricing significantly above mainstream competitors
- Longer heat-up time due to larger stone mass
- Limited dealer network compared to Harvia
- Open design requires careful installation planning
- HIVE series doesn't include stones (additional cost)
- Shorter track record than Finnish competitors
- Potential import tariffs depending on trade policies
Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
HUUM delivers on its promise of premium quality and exceptional design. If you're building a sauna where aesthetics matter as much as performance—and you're willing to pay for it—HUUM offers an experience that mainstream brands simply can't match.
The steam quality from HUUM's massive stone capacity is genuinely superior. The design transforms your heater from functional equipment into a conversation piece. And the smart controls are thoughtfully implemented.
However, HUUM isn't for everyone. Budget-conscious buyers will find better value elsewhere. Those who prioritize fast heat-up over steam quality might prefer Harvia. And first-time sauna owners may not appreciate the difference enough to justify the premium.
Best For:
- Design-conscious sauna enthusiasts who view their sauna as living space, not utility
- Experienced users who appreciate subtle steam quality differences
- Smart home enthusiasts who want seamless integration
- Custom sauna builds where the heater will be prominently displayed
Maybe Not For:
- Budget-focused buyers seeking maximum value
- First-time sauna owners still learning their preferences
- Those who prioritize fast heat-up over steam quality
- Simple installations where design isn't a priority
Frequently Asked Questions
HUUM heaters are designed and handcrafted in Estonia. Each unit undergoes specialized finishing processes including shot blasting and acid treatment for their distinctive appearance. Note: HUUM products may be subject to import tariffs depending on current trade policies.
"Better" depends on your priorities. HUUM excels in design aesthetics, steam quality (due to larger stone capacity), maximum temperature capability, and smart home integration. Harvia offers proven reliability, faster heat-up times, broader product range, better value, and wider dealer availability. For design-forward installations prioritizing steam quality, HUUM wins. For straightforward performance at a reasonable price, Harvia remains excellent.
The HUUM mobile app works with UKU WiFi controllers to provide remote sauna control. You can start heating from anywhere, set target temperatures and timers, monitor current temperature in real-time, control connected lighting and ventilation, and receive notifications when your sauna is ready. The app is available for iOS and Android and requires your sauna to be within WiFi range.
HUUM recommends olivine diabase stones, sized 2-4 inches in diameter. These stones are specifically chosen to withstand extreme heat without crumbling—a critical consideration given HUUM's high operating temperatures. DROP heaters include stones; HIVE models require separate purchase. Never substitute random rocks, as improper stones can crack explosively when heated.
Heater sizing is based on cubic footage (length × width × height). General guidelines: 4.5kW for rooms up to 250 cu. ft., 6kW for 210-350 cu. ft., 9kW for 280-530 cu. ft. Add 20-30% extra capacity if your sauna has windows, minimal insulation, or heat-absorbing surfaces like brick or concrete.
Physical mounting is DIY-friendly, but electrical installation requires a licensed electrician. Most models require 240V wiring, which involves working with higher voltage circuits. HUUM provides detailed installation manuals. For optimal performance, HUUM recommends building an elevated "false floor" and embedding the heater—this requires more involved construction than simply wall-mounting.
The difference is certification standards. HUUM uses SGS certification (common in Europe) while Harvia uses UL certification (required for North American electrical codes). UL's more conservative 194°F limit is a safety requirement for North American markets. Both are legitimate standards—HUUM's higher rating appeals to enthusiasts who want hotter saunas.
DROP is the iconic teardrop wall-mounted design (includes stones). HIVE is the geometric basket with maximum stone capacity (Mini for home, Full for commercial). STEEL is the slim tower design for tight spaces with minimal clearances. CLIFF bridges DROP and HIVE with premium wall-mounted performance. Each serves different space requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Best Value Recommendations
Ready to elevate your sauna experience? Here are our top picks from the HUUM collection:
- Best Design: HUUM DROP 9kW — The Red Dot Award winner with 122 lb stone capacity at $1,416
- Best for Steam Lovers: HUUM HIVE Mini 9kW — 330 lb stone capacity for superior löyly at $2,149
- Best Compact: HUUM STEEL 6kW — Slim profile with minimal clearances at $1,644
- Best for Large Spaces: HUUM HIVE 15kW — Commercial-grade 529 lb stone capacity at $2,740
Ready to Upgrade Your Sauna?
Browse our complete collection of HUUM sauna heaters and accessories, all backed by our expert support and fast shipping.
Sauna Heaters
Electric & wood-burning
Traditional Saunas
Barrel & cabin styles
Sauna Accessories
Stones, buckets & more
Disclaimer: Sauna heater installation should be performed by qualified professionals. All electrical work must comply with local building codes and regulations. Consult with a licensed electrician before installing any 240V equipment. HUUM products may be subject to import tariffs depending on current trade policies.
